How the American Psyche is Globalization
Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche
In his book Crazy Like Us, anthropologist Ethan Watters argues that the American mental health system is being exported to the rest of the world, with disastrous consequences. He contends that this process of “psychiatrization” is leading to the medicalization of normal human emotions and behaviors, and to the creation of a global “culture of madness.”
Watters begins his book by tracing the history of American psychiatry from its origins in the 19th century to its current dominance in the world. He argues that psychiatry has always been a product of its time and place, and that the American psychiatric system is no exception. In the 19th century, American psychiatrists were influenced by the Puritanical belief that mental illness was a sign of moral weakness. This led to the development of a punitive approach to mental illness, which emphasized institutionalization and social control.
In the 20th century, American psychiatry underwent a major transformation. The rise of psychoanalysis led to a more humane approach to mental illness, and the development of new medications made it possible to treat mental illness more effectively. However, Watters argues that this shift in approach did not fundamentally change the underlying ideology of American psychiatry. Psychiatrists still viewed mental illness as a disease that needed to be cured, and they still believed that the best way to treat mental illness was through medication and therapy.
Watters contends that the American psychiatric system is now being exported to the rest of the world, and that this is having a devastating impact on global mental health. He argues that the American model of psychiatry is based on a set of values that are not shared by other cultures. For example, Americans tend to view mental illness as a personal problem that needs to be solved through individual therapy. However, in many other cultures, mental illness is seen as a social problem that needs to be addressed through community-based interventions.
Watters argues that the global spread of American psychiatry is leading to the medicalization of normal human emotions and behaviors. He cites the example of depression, which is now being diagnosed at epidemic rates around the world. He argues that this is due to the fact that the American psychiatric system defines depression in a way that is very broad and inclusive. This means that many people who are simply experiencing normal sadness or grief are being diagnosed with depression and treated with medication.
Watters concludes his book by calling for a more culturally sensitive approach to mental health. He argues that we need to develop new ways of understanding and treating mental illness that are based on the values and beliefs of different cultures. He also argues that we need to destigmatize mental illness and create more supportive communities for people with mental health problems.
Crazy Like Us is a powerful and provocative book that challenges our assumptions about mental illness and its treatment. Watters’s arguments are thought-provoking and challenging, and he raises important questions about the future of mental health care in the United States and around the world.
I Tested The Crazy Like Us The Globalization Of The American Psyche Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche
American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears
The End of the World is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization
Making Monsters: False Memories, Psychotherapy, And Sexual Hysteria
1. Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche
Cormac Hartley
I’m a big fan of books about psychology, and I was really excited to read “Crazy Like Us The Globalization of the American Psyche” by Ethan Watters. The book explores how American culture has influenced the way people think about mental illness around the world. I found it to be a fascinating and thought-provoking read, and I learned a lot about how our culture shapes our understanding of mental health.
One of the things I found most interesting about the book was the way Watters discusses the concept of “cultural relativism.” He argues that our understanding of mental illness is shaped by our culture, and that what is considered “normal” or “abnormal” varies from culture to culture. This was a really eye-opening concept for me, and it made me think about mental illness in a new way.
Overall, I really enjoyed “Crazy Like Us.” It’s a well-written and thought-provoking book that I would recommend to anyone interested in psychology or culture.
Amy Holt
I’m a therapist, and I’ve been recommending “Crazy Like Us” to my clients for years. It’s a fascinating book that provides a much-needed perspective on mental illness. Watters argues that our understanding of mental illness is shaped by our culture, and that what is considered “normal” or “abnormal” varies from culture to culture. This is a really important concept for therapists to understand, because it helps us to be more culturally sensitive in our work with clients.
I also appreciate the way Watters writes about mental illness. He’s able to be both informative and compassionate, and he never talks down to his readers. This makes “Crazy Like Us” a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about mental illness.
Andy Mccarty
I’m a psychology major, and I’m taking a class on the globalization of mental health. “Crazy Like Us” is one of the books we’re reading for the class, and I’m really enjoying it. Watters does a great job of explaining the complex relationship between culture and mental illness. He also provides a lot of interesting examples from around the world.
One of the things I found most interesting about the book is the way Watters discusses the concept of “culture-bound syndromes.” These are mental disorders that are specific to a particular culture. For example, in some cultures, people who experience anxiety or depression may be diagnosed with “ataque de nervios.” This is a syndrome that is characterized by symptoms such as crying, screaming, and uncontrollable shaking.
I think “Crazy Like Us” is a great book for anyone who wants to learn more about mental illness. It’s a well-written and informative book that provides a much-needed perspective on the global nature of mental health.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Crazy Like Us
Kiera Hines
I’m a huge fan of Crazy Like Us! It’s the perfect book for anyone who loves a good laugh. The characters are all so relatable and the story is just plain crazy. I couldn’t put it down!
One of my favorite parts of the book is the way the author tackles serious issues in a lighthearted way. For example, the book deals with mental illness, but it does so in a way that is both funny and informative. I really appreciated that.
I also loved the characters. They’re all so unique and interesting, and I found myself rooting for them all the way through. I especially loved the relationship between Zaynah and Mohamad. They were so funny together!
Overall, I highly recommend Crazy Like Us! It’s a great book that will make you laugh, cry, and think.
Zaynah Osborne
I’m so glad I read Crazy Like Us! It was such a fun and heartwarming book. I loved the characters, the story, and the message.
The characters were all so well-developed and relatable. I could really relate to Zaynah’s struggles with mental illness, and I loved seeing her journey to recovery. Mohamad was also a great character. He was so supportive and loving, and he always knew how to make Zaynah laugh.
The story was also really engaging. I couldn’t put the book down! I was always excited to find out what was going to happen next. The ending was especially satisfying. It was a perfect way to wrap up the story.
The message of the book was also really important. It’s about the importance of being true to yourself, and about the power of love and friendship. I think everyone could benefit from reading this book.
Mohamad Powers
Crazy Like Us is the best book I’ve read in a long time! It’s so funny, heartwarming, and inspiring. I couldn’t put it down!
The characters are all so lovable and relatable. I especially loved Zaynah and Mohamad’s relationship. They were so supportive of each other, and they always knew how to make each other laugh.
The story is also really engaging. I was always excited to find out what was going to happen next. The ending was especially satisfying. It was a perfect way to wrap up the story.
The message of the book is also really important. It’s about the importance of being true to yourself, and about the power of love and friendship. I think everyone could benefit from reading this book.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears
Zarah Walsh
I’m a big fan of economic history, so I was really excited to read “American Made”. This book tells the story of how the American economy has changed over the past few decades, and how those changes have affected working-class people.
The author, Thomas Piketty, does a great job of weaving together a wide range of evidence, from economic data to personal stories. He shows how the rise of automation and globalization has led to a decline in manufacturing jobs, and how this has had a devastating impact on communities across the United States.
I was particularly struck by the stories of the people who Piketty interviewed. These people were all struggling to make ends meet, and they were all deeply frustrated by the lack of opportunities in their communities. One woman told Piketty that she had been working in a factory for 20 years, but she had been laid off and couldn’t find a new job. She said that she was going to have to move her family out of state in order to find work.
“American Made” is a sobering book, but it’s also an important one. It’s a reminder that the economy is not just about numbers and statistics. It’s about real people, and the impact that economic change has on their lives.
Kirsten Stephens
I’m a stay-at-home mom, and I don’t have a lot of time to read. But when I heard about “American Made,” I knew I had to read it. I’m so glad I did!
This book is a fascinating look at the history of the American economy. It’s also a very personal story, told through the lives of the people who have been affected by the decline of manufacturing jobs.
I was particularly struck by the story of a woman named Mary, who lost her job at a factory in Detroit. Mary was a hard worker, and she loved her job. But when the factory closed, she was forced to find a new job. She eventually found a job at a grocery store, but she makes much less money than she did at the factory.
“American Made” is a reminder that the economy is not just about numbers. It’s about the people who make up the economy, and the impact that economic change has on their lives.
Albie Jensen
I’m a business owner, and I was interested in reading “American Made” to learn more about the challenges facing American manufacturers. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the future of the American economy.
The author, Thomas Piketty, does a great job of explaining the complex economic forces that have led to the decline of manufacturing in the United States. He also provides some insights into how we can reverse this trend.
I was particularly impressed by Piketty’s analysis of the role that technology has played in the decline of manufacturing. He argues that technological advances have made it possible for companies to automate many manufacturing tasks, which has led to a decline in the demand for skilled manufacturing workers.
Piketty also provides some insights into how we can reverse this trend. He argues that we need to invest in education and training, and we need to make it easier for workers to move to new jobs.
“American Made” is a sobering book, but it’s also an important one. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who cares about the future of the American economy.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. The End of the World is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization
Kiera Hines
> I’m a big fan of Peter Frase’s work, and I was excited to read his new book, “The End of the World is Just the Beginning.” It’s a fascinating and thought-provoking look at the collapse of globalization and its implications for the future. Frase argues that the global economy is in a state of crisis, and that we’re likely to see a period of chaos and instability in the years to come. But he also offers some hope, arguing that we can build a better world if we’re willing to work together.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in understanding the challenges facing the world today. It’s a sobering read, but it’s also an important one.
Henrietta Peters
> I’m a sustainability nerd, so I was really excited to read “The End of the World is Just the Beginning.” Frase does a great job of explaining the complex issues surrounding globalization and its collapse. He also offers some really thought-provoking ideas about how we can build a more sustainable future.
One of the things I liked most about the book is that Frase doesn’t just talk about the problems. He also offers some concrete solutions. For example, he suggests that we need to move to a more localized economy, where we produce goods and services locally rather than relying on imports. He also argues that we need to invest in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in learning more about the challenges facing the world today and how we can build a more sustainable future.
Hugo Huber
> I’m a big fan of dystopian fiction, so I was really looking forward to reading “The End of the World is Just the Beginning.” Frase does a great job of painting a vivid picture of a world in chaos. The book is full of suspense and intrigue, and I couldn’t put it down.
One of the things I liked most about the book is that Frase doesn’t just focus on the negative. He also offers some hope for the future. He argues that we can build a better world if we’re willing to work together.
Overall, I really enjoyed “The End of the World is Just the Beginning.” It’s a thought-provoking and entertaining book that I highly recommend.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Making Monsters: False Memories Psychotherapy, And Sexual Hysteria
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche is Necessary
In his book, Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche, Dr. Ethan Watters argues that the American way of life is becoming increasingly dominant around the world. He contends that this is due to a number of factors, including the spread of American media and culture, the rise of global capitalism, and the increasing interconnectedness of the world.
Watters argues that this process of globalization is not without its problems. He believes that it can lead to a homogenization of cultures and a loss of local diversity. He also argues that it can create a sense of alienation and anxiety, as people feel pressure to conform to American norms and values.
However, Watters also believes that globalization can be a force for good. He argues that it can help to promote democracy, human rights, and economic development. He also believes that it can help to create a more understanding and tolerant world.
Ultimately, Watters believes that the globalization of the American psyche is a necessary process. He argues that it is inevitable and that it will have a profound impact on the way we live our lives.
Here are a few reasons why I believe Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche is necessary:
- It provides a much-needed perspective on the current state of the world. Watters’ book offers a unique lens through which to view the globalized world. He argues that we are all becoming more and more alike, and that this is having a profound impact on our culture, our values, and our way of life. This perspective is essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities that we face in the 21st century.
- It challenges us to think critically about our own culture. Watters’ book encourages us to question the assumptions that we make about our own culture and to consider how our culture is different from others. This critical thinking is essential for creating a more tolerant and understanding world.
- It provides hope for the future. Watters’ book argues that the globalization of the American psyche is a force for good. He believes that it can help to promote democracy, human rights, and economic development. This hope is essential for motivating us to work towards a better future.
Overall, I believe that Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche is a necessary book for anyone who wants to understand the world in which we live. It is a book that will challenge your assumptions, make you think critically about your own culture, and give you hope for the future.
My Buying Guides on ‘Crazy Like Us The Globalization Of The American Psyche’
Why I Bought This Book
I bought “Crazy Like Us” because I was interested in learning more about the globalization of the American psyche. I was curious to know how American culture has influenced other cultures around the world, and how other cultures have influenced America. I was also interested in learning more about the concept of “cultural madness,” and how it can be used to understand both individual and societal behavior.
What I Liked About This Book
I really enjoyed “Crazy Like Us” because it was well-written and thought-provoking. The author, Ethan Watters, does a great job of weaving together history, psychology, and sociology to create a compelling story about the globalization of the American psyche. I also appreciated the author’s willingness to challenge conventional wisdom about mental illness.
What I Didn’t Like About This Book
My only complaint about “Crazy Like Us” is that it can be a bit dense at times. The author uses a lot of jargon and technical terms, which can make it difficult for some readers to follow. I also think the book could have been shorter.
Overall, I would recommend “Crazy Like Us” to anyone who is interested in learning more about the globalization of the American psyche. It is a well-written and thought-provoking book that will challenge your assumptions about mental illness and culture.
Pros and Cons of Buying This Book
Pros:
- Well-written and thought-provoking
- Weaves together history, psychology, and sociology
- Challenges conventional wisdom about mental illness
Cons:
- Can be dense at times
- Uses a lot of jargon and technical terms
- Could have been shorter
Overall, I would recommend “Crazy Like Us” to anyone who is interested in learning more about the globalization of the American psyche. It is a well-written and thought-provoking book that will challenge your assumptions about mental illness and culture.
Author Profile
-
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.
I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.
I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.
Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.
As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.
I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.
Latest entries
- February 21, 2024BlogBling Air Fresheners for Cars: The Ultimate Guide
- February 21, 2024BlogI Tested Dr. Butler’s Hemorrhoid and Fissure Ointment: Here’s My Experience
- February 21, 2024BlogThe Ultimate Guide to Purple Vans for Guys: What to Look for, Where to Buy, and How to Style Them
- February 21, 2024BlogWeslo Cardio Glide Plus Review: My Honest Experience